Skewing beads

**Tiger** · 24th August 2010, 03:18 PM

As I'm only a hobby turner (like most of us), I find that when I don't use the lathe regularly my technique suffers. I find that when I turn beads with the skew chisel, they turn perfectly to the right but my left turned beads are of variable quality, some are ok but every 4th or so bead gives me a problem. The tool seems to jar or get stuck as it's completing the final stages of the cut. Is it common to do one side of the bead well and the other not so well? I would presume that my grip (for the left side) is the problem but not sure.

**RETIRED** · 24th August 2010, 04:02 PM

Is it common to do one side of the bead well and the other not so well?

Yes.

**Tiger** · 24th August 2010, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by

Yes.

Is there a particular reason(s) for this and is it usually the left side?

**Manuka Jock** · 24th August 2010, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by Tiger

Is there a particular reason(s) for this and is it usually the left side?

Tiger , are you left or right handed ?

**Frank&Earnest** · 24th August 2010, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by Tiger

Is there a particular reason(s) for this and is it usually the left side?

You are right handed. The reason is "starting a cut with the skew's sides inclined too steeply". Mike Darlow, The fundamentals of woodturning, page 99.

**Tiger** · 24th August 2010, 04:31 PM

I'm right-handed.

**Manuka Jock** · 24th August 2010, 04:35 PM

Looks like Frank has the reason .
I gotta get the hang of it too .
Most of the spindle work that I have done has been for tool handles

.

**Tiger** · 24th August 2010, 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by Frank&Earnest

You are right handed. The reason is "starting a cut with the skew's sides inclined too steeply". Mike Darlow, The fundamentals of woodturning, page 99.

Pretty sure I start from a horizontal or near horizontal position and that's what has got me flummoxed about the resulting cut.

**RETIRED** · 24th August 2010, 05:14 PM

Take a half step to the left and try it.

No it is not the "Time Warp".

You are probably getting in your own way so give yourself room to move.

**RETIRED** · 24th August 2010, 08:36 PM

Have you tried it yet?

**Avery** · 24th August 2010, 10:33 PM

Originally Posted by Tiger

I'm right-handed.

Practice turning left handed - i.e. with the right hand on the blade and the left on the handle.

It takes a while to get use to it , but I find it makes a lot of cuts a lot easier once you have the skill.

**Tiger** · 24th August 2010, 11:36 PM

Originally Posted by

Have you tried it yet?

, I tried that but it didn't really do the trick. I notice now that it sometimes happens on the right side as I tried slight variations in technique. There seems to be a very fine line between success and failure with beads, if I attempt a slightly greater cut than I should, I run into this problem. I think I'm doing everything else right.

**robyn2839** · 25th August 2010, 08:21 AM

find a left hander who has trouble with the right and work something out between yourselves........bob

**stuffy** · 25th August 2010, 11:00 AM

Try practising with good clearance either side of the bead i.e. parting tool cut or raised bead (astragal).
Check your skew for smooth and equal bevels both sides. I find it easier with a smaller angle of skew using just the short point.
Good luck.

**Ed Reiss** · 25th August 2010, 12:24 PM

Tiger, over time and sufficent practice you'll get the hang of it...don't give up

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